In a submission from the Justice Ministry and the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs in response to a petition, the state told the High Court that it opposes allowing same-sex couples to adopt because of the “additional burden” this would place on the child, though it said it would for the first time allow common-law couples that have been together for at least three years to adopt.

Leading a chorus of criticism of the government’s position, gay Israeli pop star Harel Skaat targeted Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, accusing her of perpetuating stigmas for young children and treating homosexuals as second-rate citizens.